ANTIPOLO – Rain or Shine has now reached a PBA semifinals for the third straight conference - an achievement that head coach Yeng Guiao considers as a huge feat especially for an independent team like them.
The Elasto Painters matched their Final Four achievement in the 2024 Philippine Cup and 2024 Governors’ Cup after pulling off a 2-1 quarterfinal series win over Converge which they capped with a 112-103 win on Sunday at the Ynares Center.
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“It’s a testimony to the progress of the team in general,” said Guiao. “To be in the semifinals three consecutive conferences. For an independent team, to be able to do that, I think it indicates that we have some consistency.
"At least, we are performing as a team.”
Deon Thompson had 34 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while Adrian Nocum had 25 points in the Rain or Shine win over Converge in Game Three.
Guiao said making it to the semifinals three straight times is proof that they are getting closer and closer to a finals appearance - and a long-overdue championship.
'Maybe one day, we'll be in the finals'
Rain or Shine’s last finals appearance came during their second title run in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup where they defeated Alaska, before falling into some lean years.
For the third straight time also, Rain or Shine will be facing TNT in the playoffs. The Elasto Painters defeated TNT, 2-1, in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Philippine Cup, but lost to the Tropang Giga, 4-1, in the semifinals of the last Governors’ Cup.
If you keep knocking, the door will eventually open, Guiao said.
“Ang ano ko rito, you hang around long enough, maybe you’ll make the finals. So just hang around there, be in the thick of the fight,” said Guiao. “So just be there, just show up, and maybe one day, we can get into the finals. 'Yun lang ang objective namin.”
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